Summary: They ran away from home because they couldn't bear the thought of being driven apart because of ninshū. They live, not as brothers, but as two men who adore each other in secret.

This was a request from someone on AO3. It went as follows: "Indra and Anshura run away and live out their lives after all the wars and everything secretly. Like faaar away from their dad and his need for AN heir, Allowing themselves to now be free with each other. No more hate."

So...AU


Ashura quietly cleaned the katana in his hands, still a bit unnerved, even after a whole month's passing, that he had agreed to run away with his brother. It wasn't like either of them to run away from responsibility-chichiue had taught them better after all. But he understood that Indra's point was valid; they would have, eventually, been torn asunder, driven apart by one of them being named the successor to ninshū.

He still felt bad for leaving Nobuyuki behind to be declared heir in his and Indra's place.

"And that's how you maintain your katana," Ashura said once he finished, handing it to the young man across from him. He didn't understand why the young man had come to him for lessons on keeping a katana in tip-top shape, but he wouldn't question it.

"Arigatō, Ashura-san," the young man said as he took his weapon back. It was only when he left that Indra appeared, looking vaguely amused. "That's the second person this week," he remarked.

"I don't understand it myself," Ashura admitted. Turning to his brother, he questioned, "Why not you? You know more about katanas than I do, after all."

"Yes," Indra agreed. "But I think you're more approachable than I or so I've heard from listening in on conversations in this village."

"Indra," Ashura said reproachfully, having long since stopped referring to him as nii-san, after all it would be improper to refer to one's lover as such, in a village where no one knew them. "This isn't our homeland. It's improper to listen in on others."

"It's called being careful," Indra shot back. Lowering his voice so low that none but Ashura could hear, he said, "I have to make sure chichiue didn't send anyone after us. No chances must be taken."

"I know," Ashura said just as quietly. Indra gave a small smile as he leaned down and the younger's hair out of his eyes-the only intimate, affectionate gesture they allowed themselves in public. Because after all, a public relationship between men was looked down upon. And that's what they were, two men who sought companionship and traveled together.


A/N: Sorry it took me so long to finally update this. I've been busy with life stuff and the spring semester of college ended around a month ago. So I should have more time now to write these drabbles. Here's to hoping.

Please review and if you have any constructive criticism, about where I can review and how, let me know~